At the end of the General Audience, the Holy Father met with Mr Phil
Fontaine, the Grand Chief of the Assembly of First Nations of Canada, and the
Most Reverend James Weisgerber, President of the Canadian Conference of Catholic
Bishops, together with those accompanying them, and he listened to their stories
and concerns.

His Holiness recalled that since the earliest days of her presence
in Canada, the Church, particularly through her missionary personnel, has
closely accompanied the indigenous peoples.

Given the sufferings that some indigenous children experienced in
the Canadian Residential School system, the Holy Father expressed his sorrow at
the anguish caused by the deplorable conduct of some members of the Church and
he offered his sympathy and prayerful solidarity. His Holiness emphasized that
acts of abuse cannot be tolerated in society. He prayed that all those affected
would experience healing, and he encouraged First Nations Peoples to continue to
move forward with renewed hope.